hey everyone, just wanted to say hi and will be frequenting these forums probably a lot because I want to start riding a bike but have absolutely no idea what to look for. I mainly am going to ride on pavement probably fairly long distances (10 miles or so) but would also like a bike for occasional trips on gravel, or other terrains. im 6'1", 215lbs and am looking to spend about $500, so any help is greatly appreciated on what i should look for. Hope to talk to some good people on here. peace.

I am nearly your size and weight. There are few wrong bikes when your initial goal is up to 10 miles. Visit several local bike shops (lbs) ask your questions, and name your budget. If they are nice and answer your queestions without pushing hard for a sale, remember their names. After you see 5 or 6 shops, even ones that are too far from your home to go to regularly, pick a nice one with bikes in your price range and shop there. BICYCLING magazine listed several bikes in your $$$ range several months ago. Look up the article and go from there. After many years I have worked up to a Bruce Gordon BLT. That would be a few years down the road for you.